David Sholtz

David Sholtz (1891–1953)

Twenty-sixth governor January 4, 1933 to January 5, 1937

Oil on canvas, Frank Townsend Hutchens, 1934

David Sholtz was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on October 6, 1891. He served in the U.S. Navy as an ensign in World War I. Before becoming governor, Sholtz was a member of the Florida House of Representatives (1917) and state's attorney (1919-21). He served as national grand exalted ruler of the Elks, and participated in several other fraternal societies.

Sholtz became governor in 1933 during the national depression and quickly took advantage of the social welfare and public works programs instituted by President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal, including unemployment compensation and old age assistance.

Sholtz was defeated in 1938 for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate. While maintaining a legal residence in Florida, he spent much of his time in New York after leaving the governor's office. He died while visiting the Florida Keys on March 21, 1953.

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